### **Arc 1: Awakening of Trash**
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### **Chapter 3: The Challenge of Strength**
Kai stood awkwardly in front of Lena and Taro, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. The earlier surge of confidence had been dampened by the unsettling voice in his head. He needed to tread carefully; revealing too much about the Aegis System could lead to unwanted attention or skepticism.
"So, you want to get a head start?" Lena said, her brows arched playfully. "What are you going to do? Punch some dummies into oblivion?"
Kai forced a laugh, trying to mask his unease. "Something like that," he replied, glancing at the broken dummy. "I thought I'd get some practice in."
"Good idea!" Taro chimed in, his analytical mind already at work. "Practicing now will give you an edge during the training sessions. The others will be focused on honing their flashy skills, but raw strength is always valuable."
"Yeah, maybe," Kai said, a mix of anxiety and determination flooding his thoughts. *But I have something even better than raw strength,* he mused. *I have the Aegis System.*
Lena eyed him curiously. "You don't look too sure about that. What's really going on, Kai?"
Kai hesitated, unsure if he should reveal even a fraction of what he had experienced. Before he could respond, the Training Hall door swung open again, revealing a tall, muscular figure. It was Ryo Tanaka, the most prominent student at Arcadia Academy and an absolute powerhouse. His reputation preceded him—he was a "Berserker," a profession known for its raw, destructive strength and combat prowess.
"Hey, Tanaka!" Lena called, waving him over. "Come see what Kai has been up to!"
Ryo sauntered over, a confident grin on his face. "What's this? You're practicing already, Asakura?" he mocked lightly. "Didn't expect a 'Trash' to want to get in shape."
Lena shot Ryo an annoyed look. "That's enough, Ryo. Everyone deserves a chance to improve."
Ryo shrugged, unfazed. "Sure, but if he thinks he can compete with us, he's in for a rough awakening." He turned to Kai, his expression shifting slightly. "Tell you what, Kai. If you're serious about getting stronger, why don't you take on a challenge? I could use a warm-up before the real training starts."
Kai's heart raced. *A challenge? From Ryo Tanaka?* It was risky, but he needed to prove himself, not only to Ryo but to himself. "What kind of challenge?" he asked, trying to sound more confident than he felt.
"Simple," Ryo replied, his grin widening. "Let's see who can break the most dummies in ten minutes. If you manage to break at least one, I'll give you some pointers on how to get stronger. But if you can't…" He paused, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Then you owe me your lunch for a week."
The stakes felt high. Kai didn't want to lose his lunch—especially not to someone like Ryo. "Fine," he replied, determination flooding his veins. "I accept the challenge."
Ryo stepped back and clapped his hands, excitement radiating from him. "Alright, then! Get ready! Three… two… one… GO!"
Kai immediately charged toward the nearest dummy, adrenaline surging through him. As he approached, the System's voice echoed in his mind, reminding him of the power he had unlocked.
*"Use Void Strike to maximize damage. Focus on your intention."*
Without thinking, Kai summoned the energy inside him. He drew back his fist, channeling his newfound strength and feeling the Void energy swirl within. As he swung his fist forward, he shouted, "Void Strike!"
The air crackled as his fist connected with the dummy, and a wave of energy erupted outward. The dummy exploded in a flurry of stuffing and wood, disintegrating into pieces that flew in all directions. The force of the impact sent him stumbling back, but he managed to steady himself, grinning in surprise.
"Nice one!" Lena cheered, her eyes wide with excitement.
Ryo, however, wore a surprised expression, his confidence slightly shaken. "Not bad for a 'Trash.' But let's see if you can do it again."
Kai quickly moved to the next dummy, his heart racing. He launched another Void Strike, and another, each hit gaining momentum and strength. The feeling of power surged through him, and the dummies fell before him like dominoes, shattered and defeated.
As he struck the final dummy, he heard the countdown nearing its end. His fist connected one last time, and with a triumphant roar, he sent the last dummy crashing to the ground, splintering into pieces.
"Time!" Ryo called, clapping his hands in disbelief. "You actually managed to break them all!"
Kai panted, breathless and exhilarated. "That's right!" he exclaimed, barely able to contain his joy. "I did it!"
Lena jumped up and down in excitement. "I knew you could do it, Kai! You've really come into your own!"
But as Kai soaked in the triumph, the System's voice spoke again, this time with urgency. *"Warning: approaching entities detected. Prepare for conflict."*
The joyful atmosphere shifted, tension rising in the air. Kai glanced toward the Training Hall entrance, where several figures loomed. They were students from a rival faction at the academy, known for their brutal training and rivalry with the students of Arcadia.
"Looks like we've got company," Ryo said, stepping in front of Kai and Lena, his earlier bravado replaced with a serious demeanor. "These guys aren't just here for a friendly visit."
"Stay back, Kai," Lena warned, her eyes narrowing. "They're trouble."
The group of rival students approached, led by a tall figure named Akira. He was known for his ruthless nature and powerful skills as a "Fencer," specializing in agility and swift, precise strikes. A dangerous glint sparkled in his eyes as he looked at Ryo and Kai.
"What's this? The 'Trash' thinks he can challenge the best?" Akira mocked, his voice dripping with condescension. "I thought the Academy produced better specimens."
Kai felt his stomach twist. There was a familiar knot of anxiety tightening in his chest. *Why couldn't he just catch a break?*
"Leave us alone, Akira," Ryo replied firmly, stepping forward. "We're not interested in your games."
Akira laughed, a sound that echoed with malice. "Games? Oh, this is no game. We're here to show everyone what true strength looks like." He glanced at Kai, his expression turning contemptuous. "But it seems you need a lesson in reality. Why don't you and I have a little friendly competition? Let's see how 'Trash' fares against a real Fencer."
Kai's heart raced as he processed the challenge. He had just proven himself against Ryo, but against Akira? It was an entirely different level. Ryo stepped in, visibly bristling. "You're not serious, are you? You'll crush him."
"Exactly. And that's the point," Akira said with a smirk. "Let's put him in his place."
Before Kai could think of a response, he felt the Aegis System chime in, the voice calm but commanding. *"Initiating combat protocol. Accept the challenge to gain combat experience and enhance your abilities."*
Kai clenched his fists, determination igniting within him. He couldn't back down now—not after what he had just achieved. "Fine. I accept your challenge," he declared, his voice steadier than he felt.
"Good," Akira replied, stepping back to create space in the hall. "Let's see if you can withstand my first strike."
Kai squared his shoulders, focusing on the energy within him. *"Void Strike."* He could feel the power building inside, ready to unleash, but doubt lingered at the edges of his mind. *Could he really face a powerful Fencer like Akira?*
Akira darted forward, his movements fluid and lightning-fast. Kai barely had time to react as Akira swung his blade, a glint of metal flashing dangerously close. Kai instinctively raised his hands to defend himself, but it was too late—the blade nicked his arm, drawing a thin line of blood.
Pain shot through him, but Kai gritted his teeth, refusing to show weakness. He summoned the Void energy again, channeling it into a counterattack. "Void Strike!" he shouted, swinging his fist with all his might.
The punch connected with Akira's midsection, sending him staggering back in surprise. Kai could feel the surge of energy coursing through him, and for a fleeting moment, he dared to believe he might actually have a chance.
But Akira quickly recovered, anger flashing in his eyes. "Not bad, Trash. But let's see how you handle this!"
With a series of swift movements, Akira lunged forward again, striking with a series of rapid blows, each one landing harder than the last. Kai dodged and weaved, desperately trying to counterattack, but he felt himself slipping under the weight of Akira's assault.
Suddenly, the voice of the Aegis System resonated in his mind again. *"Activate 'Void Step' to enhance your agility and evade incoming attacks."*
"Void Step?!" Kai shouted, and with a burst of instinct, he activated
End the chapter